Scientific contributions of Duncan Dowson to Tribological Studies of Artificial Joints

Abstract

Professor Duncan Dowson is one of the most famous scientists in the field of tribology. His pioneering research established a systematic methodology in the study of the biotribology of artificial joints. In particular, elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory was introduced and further developed to simulate and understand the lubrication behaviors and mechanisms of artificial joints. Novel apparatuses were built and extensively used to conduct numerical guided experiments, among which the joint simulator is the most important one and still widely used today for pre-clinical evaluations. In this fashion, the tribological behavior of artificial joints is understood by the “well-balanced” and “mutually supportive” theoretical and experimental researches. His scientific contribution is an important reflection of the development history of artificial joint biotribology. In addition, he had also greatly promoted the development of multidisciplinary engineering and medical science, as well as the education in medical engineering. The current article reviews Professor Dowson's scientific contributions in the field of artificial joint biotribology. It presents an in-depth understanding and provides an important reference for future research and development of the biotribology of artificial joints.